Periodontal Maintenance in NW Calgary
All Smiles Dental Care provides periodontal maintenance in NW Calgary for patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for gum disease. These visits, usually every three to four months, are a deeper cleaning and gum check than a regular cleaning and help keep the disease from coming back.
Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Important?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition. Even after treatment, the bacteria that cause gum disease can return. Periodontal maintenance therapy is an ongoing program of professional cleanings and evaluations designed to help control the disease.
Without regular maintenance, bacteria can recolonize in the periodontal pockets, leading to renewed inflammation and further bone loss. Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule is one of the most important things you can do to protect your gums and the bone around your teeth.
What Does Maintenance Involve?
Periodontal maintenance visits typically occur every three to four months. Each visit is planned around your gums and includes:
- A thorough examination of your gums and teeth
- Measurement of periodontal pocket depths to monitor stability
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
- Polishing of teeth to remove surface stains
- Review and reinforcement of home care techniques
- X-rays as needed to monitor bone levels
- Assessment of any changes in your overall health that may affect your gums
We use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras at your visits. We record your gum measurements each time, a step known as periodontal charting, so changes show up early.
Maintenance vs. Regular Cleanings
Periodontal maintenance is different from a regular dental cleaning. Routine cleanings are preventive. Maintenance therapy is therapeutic, meaning it is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal disease. The cleaning is more extensive and includes careful attention to areas where disease activity was previously detected.
| Regular cleaning | Periodontal maintenance | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevention | Keeping diagnosed gum disease under control |
| Who it is for | Patients with healthy gums or early gum inflammation | Patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for gum disease |
| Typical timing | As your dentist recommends, see exams and cleanings | Often every three to four months |
| Gum measurements | Part of the exam | Recorded each visit to monitor stability |
| Focus | Overall cleaning | Extra attention to areas where disease was found before |
Your dental team will customize your maintenance schedule based on the severity of your condition, your response to treatment and your individual risk factors.
Your Role in Maintenance
The success of periodontal maintenance depends on a partnership between you and your dental team. At home, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily and use any recommended antimicrobial products. Avoid tobacco products and maintain a healthy diet. Keeping all scheduled maintenance appointments is important for keeping gum disease under control.
For ideas to use at home, read 5 tips for healthier gums and foods to eat if you have gum disease.
When Do I Start Periodontal Maintenance?
Maintenance comes after active treatment. A typical path looks like this:
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Your dentist examines your gums and explains your stage of gum disease. See how gum disease is diagnosed |
| Treatment | Cleaning or deep cleaning, as in our gum disease treatment |
| Healing check | A follow-up visit to see how your gums are healing |
| Maintenance | Regular periodontal maintenance visits on the schedule your dentist sets |
Our patients come from Country Hills, Hamptons, Hidden Valley, Panorama Hills, Coventry Hills, Evanston, Sandstone, Kincora, Nolan Hill, Sherwood and the rest of NW Calgary.
Why Choose All Smiles Dental Care for Periodontal Maintenance
- General dentists caring for children and adults at one family-friendly clinic
- Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras
- Sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, and local anesthesia
- Direct insurance billing
- 0% financing available
- Monday evening hours, early Thursday and Friday starts and Saturday appointments
- A convenient NW Calgary location in the Country Hills area
Cost of Periodontal Maintenance
The cost depends on your treatment plan and how often your dentist recommends visits. We cannot give a figure before your dentist reviews your gums. We bill insurance directly and offer 0% financing. Call 403-777-3567 to ask about your coverage and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontal maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing program of professional cleanings and gum evaluations for patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for gum disease. Visits include measuring gum pockets and removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, and they help prevent the disease from returning.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance visits typically occur every three to four months. Your dentist customizes the schedule based on the severity of your gum disease, how you responded to treatment and your individual risk factors. The schedule may change over time as your gums change.
What is the difference between periodontal maintenance and a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning is preventive and is meant for healthy gums. Periodontal maintenance is therapeutic and is designed for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It is more extensive and gives extra attention to areas where disease was found before. Your gum measurements are tracked at each visit.
Why do I need maintenance if my gums feel fine?
Gum disease often causes no pain, and the bacteria that cause it can return after treatment. Maintenance visits let your dentist measure your gum pockets and clean areas you cannot reach at home, so problems are found early. Feeling fine is a good sign, but it does not replace the check.
Is periodontal maintenance covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan. We bill insurance directly, so our team can send your claim to your insurer and explain your coverage at your visit. Call 403-777-3567 before your appointment and we will go over your coverage and our 0% financing option.
What happens if I skip periodontal maintenance?
Without regular maintenance, bacteria can recolonize in the pockets around your teeth, which can lead to renewed inflammation and further bone loss. Missing visits makes it harder to keep gum disease under control. If you have fallen behind, call us and we will help you get back on schedule.
Book Your Periodontal Maintenance Visit
Due for a maintenance visit? Call All Smiles Dental Care and we will find a time that suits you.
- Monday:9 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday:8 AM to 4 PM
- Wednesday:8 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday:7 AM to 4 PM
- Friday:7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday:9 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday:Closed
All Smiles Dental Care, 5149 Country Hills Blvd NW, #206, Calgary, AB T3A 5K8, 403-777-3567
Last updated: